Netflix drama 'Juvenile Justice' debuts to "hot reactions" + broadcast dramas face criticism over "lack of creativity"

Article: “Why can’t broadcasters make dramas like this?” This is why I pay to watch Netflix

Source: Herald Economy

Korea's broadcast dramas are facing criticism over lack of creativity.

On the 25th, Netflix's new K-drama 'Juvenile Justice' with Kim Hye-soo, Lee Seong-min, Lee Jung-eun and Kim Mu-yeol made its debut and the reaction was hot. The official trailer for the drama also received over 620,000 views and several character lines from the drama also became a trend. 

This is due to Netflix's timely release of material at a time when the public's interest in juvenile crimes and related laws is very high. Recently, the issue of juvenile law enforcement has emerged as a social issue in Korea and many believe juvenile punishments are too weak due to their young age. 

Following hot reactions Netflix' 'Juvenile Justice,' netizens are criticizing Korea's broadcast industry writing, "Why the hell can't broadcast networks produce dramas like this?" "The material is so fresh." "Why is it they have yet to produce such a drama during this time?"

While the "juvenile" theme is currently a social issue, netizens also admitted the quality would be much higher if it was produced by Netflix due to the difference in production costs. Netflix has enormous financial power and invests at minimum tens of billions of won at for production costs per project. This is 4 to 5 times the production cost of domestic dramas. In return, Netflix monopolizes the IP and overseas distribution rights however they rarely interfere in the production process.

On the other hand, the production cost available for broadcast dramas is significantly smaller due to the network's limited budget. As a result, they usually need to find investors who invest on the condition of PPL and sponsorships being added. In addition, distribution rights aren't "pre-signed" as supply is contingent on content being released on platform first to assess if the drama is a "success" or "failure."

While Netflix has also been previously criticized for focusing on the "zombie" genre for most of its box office hits, their recent departure with 'Squid Game' caught attention. 

Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by the Korea Communications Commission found that while time spent watching TV is decreasing, time spent on OTT services like Netflix increased significantly. 

1. [+5,592, -84] Kim Hye-soo's acting is seriously too good. I was clapping while watching.
2. [+2,787, -21] If this was a broadcast drama, Kim Hye-soo would've be depicted putting on lotion before heading into court and after trial, Kim Mu-yeol would give her a ginseng drink, and the chief judge will claim to be suffering from a headache and rush to take a break in his massage chair. Netflix dramas are good because you aren't forced to watch PPL that breaks the flow of the drama so you don't feel the need to take a break with a snack.
3. [+2,441, -29] The worst is when broadcast dramas put in too much PPL. It really ruins the flow of the drama so you have no choice but to stop and get something to eat or drink.
4. [+2,141, -17] Kim Hye-soo is legendary. She has been a wall since 'Signal' and 'Hyena.' Of course the plot of her new drama would be great as expected. There were a lot of moving parts throughout the ruling process but Kim Hye-soo's judgement was a like a poem, so refreshing and touching. Whether young or old, no matter how scary the job might be, we have to give proper judgements in order to set an example for the rest of society. Really makes you reflect on whether our judgements on our own society are fair. 
5. [+1,171, -41] Kim Hye-soo is a true legend...
6. [+352, -1] From the trailer, you'd think Kim Hye-soo is a prosecutor that hates young male criminals but in reality, she gave us a cold hard look at the issue of juvenile offenders in our country. It's a really great drama. 
7. [+298, -4] The drama was great and Kim Hye-soo's acting were jjang but what I enjoyed the most was seeing justice playing out for the first time since it doesn't happen in reality. We really need to get rid of the juvenile law, why aren't we? I'd definitely vote to get rid of it. Kids these days can be even more vicious and evil than adults.
8. [+267, -1] It honestly felt like I was watching an American drama. Each case was dealt with fast with no unnecessary story lines. Both the script and cinematography were simple but flawless.
9. [+185, -8] You'll never find a judge like that in our country so this drama is a bit.. unrealistic
10. [+13, -1] Meanwhile, broadcast networks have time to put out trash dramas like Penthouse ~~